The first one, an ancient remnant of a molar, came out with ease. The next, a beloved canine, took a violent exorcism. "Bite on the gauze for two hours," was the followed instructions. Then, once the grizzly abosorber was removed, I went to see Trump; President Donald J. Trump, that is.

Funny how little unexpected detours get us places. I had no idea of the President's precise visitation to the Steel Mill in Granite City when the dental appointment was made. Aside from the tooth trauma I surely would have worked that day and as a consequence missed much.

The process: first I had to request admittance (RSVP) via e-mail. Once approved I showed up in the nearby parking lot. My name was checked twice before boarding a sizable bus (the Coach variety; very nice) for the 1/4 mile ride to the drop-off point. From there it was the metal detector and then a short walk to the Rally venue. A converted storage area, it now housed two sets of bleachers, some folding chairs, the slightly raised dais, and opposite this the place for the myriad of professional president watchers. Due to my lateness (the gauze thing) I found an obscure place to stand and lean. It would be four hours.

The atmosphere: celebratory. Many of my fellow steelworkers had seen two or more years apart from this place. Many had, understandably, lost much materially. But, with the ongoing limbo status of the mostly idled and deteriorating steel mill, many had lost much in the soulish region as well: peace, pride, hope. And then, a non-politician, a savvy business man with big dreams and big promises was elected. His name was Donald Trump, and one of those promises he made was to the nation's steelworkers.

When the President finally arrived (he was a tad behind schedule) there was no sitting down (and for me, no sight). ALL stood and relished the lengthy remarks. Arguably, much of what he said was familiar, and even though the words were tailored for this particular audience, ours was a devoted ear to an important individual who exuded an actual "caring" for the likes of we. Understand, his caring was not the usual "I feel your pain" political rhetoric. No, his campaign promises had preceded real action, and his actions subsequently touched our individual lives, and now his feet (incredibly! But so like him) had purposely found their way to our humble front porch.

Along with the president's remarks, Ivanka shared some thoughts. Also, US Steel, management and non, sweetened the celebration with their testimonies. And then...it was over. There was a quick egress as the closing music faded and the buses filled. And, although I had a sore reminder of something lost earlier that day, I also had a fullness of heart from something gained.

PS

Here's a perhaps last replay of a pro-Trump song written and sung by a then laid off steelworker. Perhaps a version of "Keep America Great" will be added to the many currently under construction.

"Families belong together," that was the theme of the many marches that were staged throughout the USA on June 30 in response to some law-breaking parents that crossed the border with minors in tow, who were subsequently separated from the darlings for a time.

I get it. It's not a pretty picture. Traumatic for the tots, no doubt. AND, it doesn't matter that the elders knowingly transported their young'uns into illegality; we, a compassionate folk, need to care for the kids and keep these families together.

However, I don't believe for a minute that the many left-leaners--these who positively love the notion of violently disposing of inconvenient children (Abortion is oh so violent)--I don't believe the vast majority of these street gatherers have the children in mind. No, it's so obvious (poem and song title) that they just hate all things Trump. AND, since everything else they've tried hasn't worked, they may even believe this passion play will sway the masses. Not gonna happen.

However, in closing, if these "No Trump and No border" folk are truly sincere, then let their concern for the "youth" begin in the womb.

I didn't think so.

Following is a brief (thankfully) musical commentary by the Fake Trio (me X three).

When we Americans think "Ireland" (speaking, of course, of only those Americans who think like me), we think of the large jagged Island just to the left of England. If we think a little deeper (which we sometimes do) we skip past the cursory thoughts associated with the place (the color green, the pint of Guinness, leprechauns, the Blarney stone) and realize that there are actually two entities on said island: The Republic of Ireland, and Northern Ireland. The former, a short time ago, by majority vote, repealed an amendment that protected children in the womb. In other words: the door is now open for abortion, or, as God calls it...murder. The latter, Northern Ireland, now stands alone in that region in the defense of the innocent unborn. But, predictably, this island within an island is now in the cross-hairs of the ever ravenous God-haters; otherwise known as progressives.

So, as we in the United States slowly come to the realization that human life in the womb is worth protecting and are incrementally working to neutralize the poison unleashed by an overreaching judiciary; it seems on the other side of the pond there are whole majorities gleefully rushing into error and the unpleasant (though presently unseen) consequences that must result. It is my hope, and prayer, therefore, that the people of Northern Ireland stand firm against the unholy tide that is rising against them.

Again, MY position is merely an extension of my sincere, Bible believing, Christian faith. AND, it truly grieves me that the land (Great Britain) that produced so many Christian champions--heroes of the Church that risked so much to spread the gospel to this continent--it grieves me that the "defender of the faith" is now slipping ever deeper into apostasy.

Saturday, May 26, 2018

The State acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with
due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its
laws to respect, and as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and
vindicate that right.

In the news, the people of Ireland have spoken and voted to overturn the 8th amendment to their constitution (given above). Yes, the simple and fundamental belief and acknowledgement that the human life in the womb has value...has been abandoned. Indeed, the Christian premise and practice of Ireland's near past has been exchanged for the more paganesque values of the pre-Christian era. Today we call it "progressive" or "liberal"; but the vile fruit is always the same...infanticide.

But, since I live in a land that has allowed more than 60 million of our heritage to be murdered, who am I to point out the speck in my brother's eye? In fact, this very day I have come from an abortuary where our ghoulish practices go on unhindered. Adding to the insult, I had to pass rows of American flags which festoon our main causeway as "Memorial Day" weekend is upon us. The insult comes with the knowledge that most of the honored dead had no idea that their freedom price (their lives) would buy the God-haters greater sway. And, if we have any excuse at all, it is in that our "decision" was due to an overreaching Judiciary, not a popular vote.

So, to Ireland, I applaud your use of the democratic process. However, I mourn for the death (near) of your Christian culture, and of course, for the babies that will soon join ours in the eternal. It seems that we, and thee, have both given God an ultimatum. Let's see how He responds.

Saturday, April 28, 2018

I found it somewhat inspirational, certainly historic; the President of France, Emmanuel Macron, addressing a joint session of Congress. Of course the name, Lafayette (beloved French aristocrat who added his devotion to our Revolution) was mentioned. But another name, one I had never heard before, had greater weight...Jack Ewald.

Robert "Jack" Ewald, in the gallery (I suppose; the camera didn't turn that way) is a veteran of the Second World War and, in particular, one of the D-Day liberators. Yes, one of those fresh faced American G.I's who stepped on French soil, willing to have his blood shed in the cause AGAINST tyranny, and FOR freedom. It was only right for the mention. More than right.

However, with the look back came a reminder of simply how far we have drifted from the days of the "Good War." Yes, whether it be the government funded abortuary down the street or the government sanctioned death of the UK infant, Alfie Evans, or the continuous and constant twisting and defiling of the mores and morals that once defined and determined us; evil, tyranny, is among us still and, madam, sir...it is growing.

My heart felt thanks to Jack Ewald for his service. Following is a song written as a tribute to that generation. Oh, how we need another.

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Back from our local abortion clinic. The parking lot was full (not unusual). What WAS unusual was that it had accommodated the many well BEFORE the regular opening time. Why? I suppose the pro-aborts may have learned of a coming group that would fill the sidewalks with God representatives. Sooo, they changed the starting time.

Evil is often clever.

Now, the update: as mentioned in a previous post, our Governor Rauner, with purpose and resolve, signed the bill that forced ME and my fellow Illinois citizens to help pay for abortions. Since the deed became law four months ago the local abortuary has gone from being open 3 days a week...to 5! And, when a couple of out of state participants (who weren't very far along [late terms ARE done here]) were asked why they didn't get the abortion locally; they in essence responded: "Because in Illinois it doesn't cost me anything."

Yes, Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, has gone from being a FREE state--championing the dignity of each human life--to a SLAVE state. However, rather than skin color being the prerequisite (although African Americans are disproportionately slaughtered here) in this case the unborn are the chattel, the possession...the slave.

I haven't been to Lincoln's tomb in a while (located in Springfield). I wonder if there's a rumbling in the vault?

For those in the know it was a "wow" kind of thing; the learning that the powers that be in London Town have passed an ordinance preventing pro-life intercessors close-access to those whose minds are set on ridding their lives of the inconvenience of another "made in God's image" human, i.e. abortion. These sidewalk Christian folk have the simple goals of helping the mother and keeping the baby alive. "Wow" comes in because the authorities have, without knowing it (obviously), put their collective fingers in the eye of the Almighty.

Apostasy is nothing new. The human heart (less Christ) is by nature fallen, degenerate, twisted, prone to sin. AND, since there are evil forces about, the idea that godless (not a put-down; its what they are) leaders would naturally LEAD those they represent into gross error, well, it's not surprising. But, I suppose the reason it caught this mid-American's attention is the location...London.

You see, I, like many, have ties to the land of Dickens. Grandfather on my Dad's side emigrated from the UK early in the last century. But more than that I have an affection and affinity for my Christian ancestors as well. Yes, names like Wesley (both brothers), Whitefield, Newton, Wilberforce, Booth and Wigglesworth all have a special place in this writer's heart and it truly saddens me to see the land that birthed these giants has chosen to abandon their God. But, knowing that individuals (and by extension, nations) cannot inherit salvation, I'm hoping that revival fires will, once again, burn hot in the British Isles and, of course, the U.S. (let's throw in Canada while we're at it).

Concerning the photo: A scene at the local abortion clinic the morning of this entry. Pictured, a well-versed and compassionate intercessor offering help.